Analysis

9/20/22

2 min read

Steelers vs. Browns TNF Preview

Patriots vs. Steelers
Sep 11, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (25) celebrates an interception during the fourth quarter of a Week 1 NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. I see two primary keys in this AFC North matchup.

Steelers Defensive Front Against the Browns Running Game

Last year, the Steelers beat the Browns in both games, and they were one of the only teams that held the Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb combination under 100 yards. It will be critical for their defensive front to do the same thing. For the Browns, they are going to have to handle the defensive front while also generating some plays in the passing game. The Steelers will be without star pass rusher T.J. Watt in the lineup, and they are 0-5 when not having him on the field.

Let Mitch Trubisky Push the Ball Down the Field

Will Pittsburgh's offense start to open up a little more and let Trubisky throw the ball down the field? I mention this because the Browns have had some mental breakdowns on the back end, especially late in the game. You saw it last week against the New York Jets and the week prior against the Carolina Panthers. Can they correct all the mental mistakes on the back end, and will the Steelers take some shots down the field to see if Trubisky is their quarterback moving forward or eventually go to Kenny Pickett?

 

Stats Worth Mentioning

It is worth noting Cleveland has won four in a row on Thursday night. On the other hand, Mike Tomlin has won 76% of the time as an underdog. Both teams have either won or lost by three points or less in their first two games, which should make it an exciting game.


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